priestley



(No Model.)

P. M. PRIBSTLBY.

FIFTH WHEEL.

N PETERS. Plwlwuthngnphnn nnnnnnnnnnnnn C.

5 6, between which the tongue 1s plvoted, as shown,

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIC'E.

FORREST M. PRIESTLEY, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

FIFTH-WHEEL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent o. 265,140, dated September 26, 1882. Application filed February 21, 1882. (No model.)

To all 'whom it may concern:

Beit known that I FoRREs'r M. PnIEs'rLEY, of Grand Rapids, in the county ot' Kent and State of Michigan, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Filth-Wheels 5 and I do hereby declare that the following is afull, clear, and exact description of the same.

My invention relates to an improvement in fifth-wheels, intended more particularly for use on childrens carriages and wagons, but adapti ed for useon all kinds of' light vehicles.

My invention consists inmthe peculiar construction and manner of connecting the circular movable plate with the bed-plate attached to the axle, and, in general, in special improvements of details, all fully hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings, Figure l shows a section of the upper and a side elevation ot' the lower plate. Fig. 2 is a top view.

In these drawings, A represents the front axle of a vehicle. B is the cast bottom plate, provided with integral flanges, 1 1, one on each side ot' the axle, by which the bottom plate may be riveted to such axle, as shown at 2, to permit a lateral swinging movement ot' the axle and plate independently of each other. The plate A is also provided with hooked standards 3 4, placed opposite one another at the front and rear, respectively, and with ears The bottom plate is also provided with a central pin or stud, 7. 'Ilie'rotary top plate is represented in the drawings at C. It consists ot' a circula-r plate, 8, having a vertical llange, 9, which is madel'iret'erably ot' circular shape, and is so shown; but it may be ot polygonal shape, it preferred. The plateS is bored out centrally to admit the pin 7 on the bottom plate and to turn easily thereon, and when in position the edge ot' the movable plate will turn freely, held by the standards 3 4. In the edge of the plate() and on opposite sides are recesses l0 11, corresponding in shape and size respectively to the standards 3 and 4. When the fifth-wheel isin its ordinary or normal position the recess ll will bejust beneath the standard 3 and the recess 10 ophas the lower standard to tit the top plate of Y the fifth-wheel.

The hinging of the bottom plate to the axle permits either wheel to ride over obstructions and to raise the frontaxle independently ofthe remaining running-gear, avoiding any strain on the boxes and rear axle.

lt will be understood that the parts can be easily disconnected by turning the fifth-wheel entirely around, so that the recess 1'0 will reg ster with the standard 3.

This construction is particular] y adapted for light wagons and carriages, and alsofor childrens carriages. Any shape of spring may be used. The plates, being cast in one piece,

are cheap to make and have the advantage ot' requiring no bolts or other fastening devices.

Having thus described my invention, I` claim- 1'. A if'th'wheel composed ot' a bed-plate, A, having hooked standards 3 4, and atop plate, B, having recesses l() and 1l, and a central llange, 9. 4

2. The combination, with the bed-plate pi-voted or hinged to the axle and havingthe stantiards 3 4 and pin 7, ot' the recessed top plate, B, having a central opening and a flange, 9.

The bottom plate having ings 5 G, llanges l 1, and standards 3 4, all cast in one piece, with the top plate having the recesses and vertical flange adapted to be secured removal bly to the bottom plate withoutindependent fastening devices.

In testimony whereof I have signedl my name to this specification in the presence ot' two subscribing witnesses.

FORREST M. PRIESTLEY. Witnesses;

McGEoRGE BUNDY, E. E. WINsoa. 

